Pushing Ed Tech into the Future
Innovation is the constant revision of current technology towards a goal of a higher quality of life, or in the world of EdTech, a higher quality of education. Innovation never stops, its is a continual process of improvement. Does innovation belong in the classroom or in a training location? In the classroom innovation can come in many forms, from teaching techniques and processes to improved Learning Management Systems. Does something like innovation belong somewhere or is it just a natural part of education?
As a Sociology Instructor, I speak on the development and growth of cultures within society. Innovation, along with invention and diffusion, are the foundations of culture. Everything a society contains at one point was an invention and through innovation, continues to improve to the point of diffusion, or mass adoption. Innovation just is...part of everything we do and is defined as the improvement of something that already exists, typically referring to a good, services, or a process (Bell, 2013). As for my current teaching, I lean more towards more complex video editing for posting Module and Assignment summaries for each of my classes. Looking back at when I first started to do this, I can see improvement in the actual environment and equipment I use. Software wise, I have slowly moved towards more in depth programs such as Adobe Premiere vs. Windows Video Editor and Canva vs. PowerPoint.
When I am working with others, I try to meet them where they are at their skill levels and encourage them to use what they are already comfortable with rather than adding something new to an already full plate. I find that instructors that use what they already have in the toolbox makes using them much easier and more efficient. We can always integrate new things slowly over time once the benefits are provided.
Potential Learning Opportunities
As for the future, I am most interested in 3D printing along with designing things to print. However, time and money are the biggest hurdles. I have recently obtained a entry level 3D printer and the setup and prep time can take upwards of an hour for each print. While I enjoy the technology and all that it offers, new technologies take time to learn the details. I have spent more time on YouTube researching the basics on setup, prep, file formatting, and troubleshooting. It is an interesting process, but a time consuming one. Along with 3d printing, I find the implementation of interactive textbooks in the classroom to be an engaging technology.
Overall, innovation in education is a constant process. For example, the move from blackboards to whiteboard is a form of innovation that has drastically impacted instruction. The move from the whiteboard to a virtual board that allows for interaction through either VR or AR will be the next step. Someone is always working on the next revision of something.....someone is always innovating.
Works Referenced:
Bell, K. (2013). Innovation definition - Dictionary of Sociology. Open Education Sociology Dictionary. https://sociologydictionary.org/innovation/#definition_of_innovation
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